Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-10-06

/ so soon. They generally let a month or
two 90 by
Mr., Matthias suddenly turned toward
! him and extended both arms, eNclajming:
''Bcgune, profane man, Begoncr'
( "Tu>h, Tush.' said Grimbot in q
fatherly tone Don't nind me: after all,
suppose You want only TO take an air
I ing like the other fellows"
Mr. Matthias kept ON straight ahead,
npt dccminE it worth his while to answer
lie soon perceived, through the darkness,
the gate of the cemetery. Being AWAY :
prepared for the worst, he had few louis
in his pocket Cope - said he. Offering
couple of gold pieces Ia Grimbot. lie, ;
waste Ii" time in talk Here let me have
the key"
Grimhot stepped back, eXclaiming:
What, the key, you want to go ont,
That's "A funny notion. But. say, none
of that
II will give you four louis gruanca
Mr.. Matthias
say, now, stop that" replied Grmbot.
''or else shall knock you ON the head.
have no objection 10 Your leaving your
tomb and walking about. The others do
81. too
The others, What others"
Grimbot gave wide sweep around with
his hand, as he replied:
why. the dead. Of course
The dead-who is talking To you about
the dead? Why. man. l am alive, still
living, don't YOU see?''
''Phew, that is an awful joke, But.
sre here, l am good fellow. Come along
and take drink with me-
Like IL pair of pincers his hand grasped
Mr. Matthias wrist. He dragged him To
small building, where he lived. and
made him enter room on the ground
goor.
Mr. Matthias was literally dumfounded.
After closing the door Grimbot got a
hottie from shelf. and. filling two
glasses, he took one and held il up say
ing:
Here's to you, Mr.. Matthias
Listen to me- good man. said Mr..
Matthias. You want TO have your little
Joke at my expense. Well and good But
there is a time for all things. For
reason that concerns me only. | have
allowed myself To be buried Now, busi-
ness of great Importance requires my
presence outside. Let me 20. and. | as
sure you, slIal! pay you well"
While lie was speaking Grimbot had
slowly walked around the table and taken
Il position, standing, his back against the
door
You are a good talkcr.' sneercd he
so you are alive, eE; Well. You are not
the first that has told me that. You see.
| hear such strange stories. | am quite
fond of my subordinates. Every night
one or two of them come. without cere-
mOny, 10 take a drink with me. Last
night 1t was the notary. You know whom
| mean; your neichbor. Radel, the one
that has the broken column. The night
before last had a call from Mime. Clau-
din, Il mighty fine looking woman. tell
you- l am Il good fellow | let them
walk about at night and chat with them.
but rs To letting them 20 outside. that is
quite another thing
Mr.. Matthias began to feel uncomfort-
able. And no wonder. for Grmbot SPOKE
with perfect composurc. like IA functiouary
who understood the responsibilities Of his
Office.
He was medium sized. thick set man,
with hands like gorilia's. His eyes were
black and glistening. a shiver ran thror gh |
Mr.. Matthias frame rs the idea struck him !
that the man was crazy.
Yes. that must he it. He mus. be &
' itAA'N VIM bt!ltNtl HIS grave
yard peopled with ghosts. He lived in |
fantastic world, the creation of a drunk |
ards brain.
Mr.. Matthias began talking, pleading,
promising, supplicatine. Why, how could |
he. the good, kind, intelligent Grimbot,
make such n mistake as to take him for a |
dead man, ard he burst into laugh
Here said Grimbot, curtly: enough |
of this! SO long as You won't behave rea-
sonably you will have 10 go in again"
go in again, Go in wheres'
''lnto your home. of course AT tho |
corner of the third division
Unto the tomb Never!'
''lou won't, Oncel Twice"
Mr.. Matthias looked at the enormous
hands. Overcome with terror, lie glanced |
around, looking for an opening to escape |
There was but one, the door,
and there WAS Grimbot propped up against
it. Anyhow, lie had to pass, cost what
il may 50 hG rushed forward with a
scream.
Grimbot quietly put forward his open
hand. into which the throat OF his assail-
ant fitted closely. Mr. Matthias hiccoughed
and tric', TO struggle. The hand closed
more tightly. Mr. Matthias slid down TO
the floor. kicked about for little while
and then remained motionless
Grimbot. like one used to occurrences of
this kind, picked him up, and. walking
with the Gignitied step of n man conscious
Df having done his duty. he carried him
back to the tomb. where he cast him into
he crypt. lie then kicked the slab back
INTO its place. closed the grated door and
his walk among the tombs, NUT
ering:
did you ever see the like Wanted to
:" out, eh: And me lose my situation.
Not much.''
This is why Mr.. Matthias widow was
lble, shortly after, 70 marry the one she
lad always loved.-Translated for New
Orleans Times Democrat